System and method for managing and maintaining abrasive blasting machines

ABSTRACT

A system and method for managing abrasive blasting may include cumulatively timing a duration of blast media being blown in performing abrasive blasting using an abrasive blasting machine. A cumulative time duration that an operator worked in association with the duration of the blast media being blown may be received. A blasting efficiency ratio may be computed based on the cumulative time duration of the blasting media being blown over a time period, such as a time period that the operator worked. The blasting efficiency ratio may be displayed to a user.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/707,616 filed on Feb. 17, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,058,707 issued onJun. 16, 2015, which claims priority from provisional Application Ser.No. 61/153,193 filed on Feb. 17, 2009, the entire contents of each ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Large structures, such as bridges, tunnels, tanks, ships, and so forth,are generally formed of concrete and steel. While these materials arestrong and relatively inexpensive, corrosion and weathering results in aneed to maintain, repair, or replace the structures. Replacement ofstructures is expensive and oftentimes inconvenient to the public. Onetechnique for maintaining or repairing structures includes the use ofabrasive blasting to clean or strip surfaces of the structure.

Abrasive blasting uses a variety of blast media, including sand, coalslag, garnet, steel grit, and other blast media, and is the most commonmethod of removing corrosion and coatings from steel and concretesurfaces. In its simplest form, blast media under pressure is mixed withair in a metering valve directly under a blast pot or pressure vessel onan abrasive blasting machine. By controlling the amount of blast mediathat enters an airflow that leads out of a blast hose to a nozzle, anoptimum balance of air and blast media can be achieved, thereby allowingfor the highest productivity in preparing a surface, whether performedby automated equipment or human operators.

Industrial abrasive blasting processes, invented in the early 1900s, foruse in preparing surfaces for protective coatings have always beenrelatively expensive based on a need for large volumes of high pressurecompressed air at up to 200 psi. Equipment used to generate suchpressures include the use of a stationary or mobile compressor (e.g.,electric or diesel). Supporting the abrasive blasting process includesthe use of blasting media, such as sand, steel grit, or other blastmedia to mix with the air, and labor to manage and operate nozzles usedto control the blast media being directed onto the structures.

Abrasive blasting work to prepare surfaces for coating can beaccomplished in a fixed facility, such as a blast room, where structuralcomponents to be treated are brought for the abrasive blasting processto be completed. Such fixed location processes are common where abrasiveblasting is part of a manufacturing process that takes place before orafter welding, but always before application of protective coatings. Inmobile operations, where blasting equipment is moved to a structureneeding abrasive blasting, such as is the case with preparation prior tocoating of bridges, tanks, and ships, everything, including the blastingequipment and blast media, must be moved to the structure where the workis to take place. In the case of bridge work, this means being locatedout on a highway, where traffic is generally diverted during theabrasive blasting process. For storage tanks, the abrasive blastingequipment is moved to the location of the storage tank, be it water orpetroleum, where the abrasive blasting work is to be done to theinterior and/or exterior of the storage tank, as required. In shipyardwork, the abrasive blasting equipment may be used in a dry dock, outsidethe dry dock, or placed some distance from the surfaces being cleaned.On a typical ship, the surface area of the internal ballast and fueltanks is often 17 times as great as the actual surface of the hull ofthe vessel.

Management of the Abrasive Blasting Process

Because the abrasive blasting process, whether fixed or mobile, requireslarge amounts of complex blasting equipment and manpower to operate andmanage the equipment, the hourly cost of fixed or mobile work issubstantial. Recent increases in the cost of energy, both electric ordiesel, labor, blasting media, and waste disposal, all serve to drive upthe cost of the abrasive blasting process. With the worldwide cost ofsteel increasing, the abrasive blasting process is even more importantas the protection the abrasive blasting process provides cansubstantially extend the life of steel structures, which are now farmore expensive based on the increased cost of steel. In addition to thecost of steel and other materials increasing, labor costs have alsoincreased.

Monitoring and Managing the Abrasive Blasting Process

Abrasive blasting machines in their current mobile and fixedconfigurations have been available for approximately 35 years.Throughout this period, abrasive blasting machines have been configuredusing rudimentary equipment (e.g., blowers, compressors, mixers,valves). Owners (e.g., construction companies) of abrasive blastingmachines have had little actual machine operational data to use inmanaging the abrasive blasting machines. The owners/operators generallyhave a supervisor and crew that operate the abrasive blasting machinewhile on a job site. Operational data has been primarily empiricallycollected after the fact using a macroscopic view (e.g., approximatelytwo days to complete a 450 square foot section of a steel bridgestructure), and detailed operational data that would provide an ownerwith more insight as to the efficiency of the supervisor, crew, andabrasive blasting machine has not been available due to the equipmentbeing so rudimentary.

While owners of the abrasive blasting equipment have had little actualinformation to use in managing the equipment and its crew, customers(e.g., municipalities) of the owners have had even less information toensure that its structures were being timely and efficiently handled inpreparing the structure for coatings and other maintenance efforts.Moreover, given the large number of ongoing construction projects thatcustomers generally have at any given time, it has been difficult for asupervisor to effectively know what structures are being prepared byabrasive blasting equipment and current status of the abrasive blastingprocesses. Ultimately, due to the lack of actual data being available tocustomers of abrasion blasting equipment, inefficiency, waste, and fraudhave resulted in certain cases.

Maintenance of Abrasion Blasting Equipment

With regard to maintenance of abrasion blasting equipment, as thoseskilled in the art of abrasive blasting can testify, owners andoperators of abrasive blasting equipment do little by way ofpreventative maintenance and tend to operate on a “run it until itbreaks” mode. Each piece of abrasive blasting equipment is composed ofthousands of parts, including electrical, mechanical, andelectromechanical components. When one of the components fails, atechnician is brought in to fix the problem. Often, components havecertain lead times (e.g., three days) before the component can beobtained and installed by the technician. Such downtime is expensive dueto the crew not producing and contract dates slipping. In addition,equipment failure may lead to inefficient operation of the abrasiveblasting machine or the appearance of inefficient operation. Either way,the manufacturer of the machine has the potential to lose futurebusiness, the owner/operator has the potential to lose customers, andthe end customer has the potential to lose money—a bad situation for allinvolved.

SUMMARY

To overcome the problems and shortcomings of the abrasive blastingindustry that has existed for many years, intelligence may be added toabrasive blasting equipment. Intelligence may be added to abrasiveblasting equipment through the use of sensors and computers and providefor monitoring, collecting, processing, and presenting operational dataproduced by an abrasive blasting equipment. Such data may enableowners/operators and end customers to have significantly moreinformation than previously available and improve efficiency in theindustry. Two fundamental areas are addressed by using the principles ofthe present invention, including (i) management, which may include both(a) management by the owner/operator of the abrasive blasting machinesand (b) management of structure projects by end customers (e.g.,municipalities, oil companies, U.S. Navy), and (ii) maintenance ofabrasive blasting machines, which may result in less downtime of themachines.

One embodiment of an abrasive blasting system may include a blowerconfigured to blow air to create an airflow. A metering valve may beconfigured to mix blast media into the airflow. A controller may be incommunication with said blower and the metering valve. A blasting hosein fluid communication with the blower. A nozzle may be connected to anend of said blasting hose. A control switch may be connected to thenozzle and be configured to enable an operator to (i) selectively causethe controller to cause the airflow created by the blower to passthrough the blasting hose and nozzle in response to the control switchbeing in a first state, and (ii) selectively cause the metering valve tomix the blast media with the airflow for passing the blast media throughthe blasting hose and nozzle in response to the control switch being ina second state. A timer may be in communication with the controller andbe configured to time duration that the metering valve is being operatedto mix the blasting media with the airflow to enable the operator toperform abrasive blasting. A user interface may be in communication withthe controller to enable a user to display the duration that theoperator is performing abrasive blasting.

One embodiment of a method for managing abrasive blasting may includetiming duration of blast media being blown in performing abrasiveblasting using an abrasive blasting machine. Time duration that anoperator worked in association with the duration of the blast mediabeing blown may be received. A blasting efficiency ratio may be computedbased on the duration of the blasting media being blown and duration ofthat the operator worked. The blasting efficiency ratio may be displayedto a user.

One method for managing a fleet of abrasive blasting machines mayinclude collecting operational data produced by a plurality of abrasiveblasting machines at a remote computing system from the abrasiveblasting machines. The collected operational data may be stored in adata repository. At least a portion of the collected operational datamay be displayed for a user to view.

One embodiment of a method for maintaining an abrasive blasting machinemay include establishing, in an electronic memory, a set of preventativemaintenance parameters associated with a respective set of components ofthe abrasive blasting machine. Sensors that collect operational data ofcomponents of the abrasive blasting machine that correlate to the set ofpreventative maintenance parameters may be monitored. A determinationthat operational data of a component has crossed a preventativemaintenance parameter may be made. In response to determining that theoperational data of the component crossed a preventative maintenanceparameter, a user may be notified to perform preventative maintenance onthe component of the abrasive blasting machine.

One embodiment of a jobsite communications system for communicatingabrasive blasting messages to operators at a jobsite may include atransceiver configured with preset message elements activatable by anoperator to communicate a preset message associated with abrasiveblasting. A signaling system reporter may be configured to receive thepreset message associated with abrasive blasting and display the presetmessage for another operator. The signaling system reporter may beconfigured as part of an abrasive blasting machine or be separate fromthe machine. The transceiver may be attached to a nozzle of a blast hoseor be separate therefrom.

One embodiment of a method for providing communications between workersof an abrasive blasting machine on a jobsite may include communicating apreset message related to abrasive blasting operations to another devicein response to an operator selecting to send the preset message, anddisplaying the preset message for another operator to view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an illustrative mobile abrasive blastingmachine that includes a controller for use in monitoring, collecting,and processing sensor data measured from components of the abrasiveblasting machine;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative electrical system thatincludes a controller configured to receive control and sensor data andgenerating control information to control components of the abrasiveblasting machine;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an illustrative network environment inwhich an abrasive blasting machine communicates blasting data to aremote server located on a network;

FIG. 4 is a screenshot of an illustrative graphical user interface (GUI)that enables a user to manage and maintain an abrasive blasting machine;

FIG. 5 is a screenshot of an illustrative GUI that enables operators ofan abrasive blasting machine to enter operator IDs when operating theabrasive blasting machine;

FIG. 6 is a screenshot of an illustrative GUI that enables a supervisoror other user to enter daily status information to provide for bettertracking of operation of an abrasive blasting machine;

FIG. 7 is a screenshot of a GUI with an illustrative list of parametersthat may be selectably tracked by a computing unit of an abrasiveblasting machine;

FIG. 8 is a screenshot of an illustrative GUI that provides a“dashboard” showing parameters being collected on an abrasive blastingmachine;

FIG. 9 is a screenshot of an illustrative GUI that enables a maintenancetechnician or other user to view current maintenance status and usage ofcomponents of an abrasive blasting machine;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an illustrative server that may be locatedon a communications network that is configured to receive operationaldata from one or more abrasive blasting machines;

FIG. 11 is a screenshot of an illustrative GUI that may be viewed by amanager of one or more abrasive blasting machines to provide currentstatus and management information;

FIG. 12 is a screenshot of an illustrative GUI that may be utilized by amanager of an end customer of an owner/operator of an abrasive blastingmachine for use in monitoring jobs and activities by the abrasiveblasting machines being performed at those jobs;

FIG. 13 is a screenshot of an illustrative GUI that provides forpreventative maintenance information of abrasive blasting machines and amaintenance log of maintenance performed on components of the abrasiveblasting machines;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an illustrative process that enables anowner/operator to view operational data collected from a processing uniton an abrasive blasting machine and processed for display to the user;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an illustrative process that enablesoperational data produced by multiple abrasive blasting machines fordisplay to a user for comparison purposes;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of an illustrative process that enables anowner/operator to efficiently perform preventative maintenance as aresult of operational data being collected by an abrasive blastingmachine;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an illustrative communications system foruse on a jobsite that enables equipment operators and other workers(e.g., supervisors) to communicate with one another while far away or innoisy environments; and

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an illustrative process for providingcommunications between workers on a jobsite.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With regard to FIG. 1, an illustration of an illustrative abrasiveblasting machine 100 is shown. The abrasive blasting machine 100 in thisconfiguration is mobile in that it resides on a trailer 102 that enablesthe abrasive blasting machine 100 to be transported from job site to jobsite for performing abrasive blasting on a structure (e.g., bridge) atthe job site. From front to rear, the abrasive blasting machine 100includes a compressor manifold 104 that enables multiple compressors tofeed into the manifold 104 for use in blowing blast media by theabrasive blasting machine 100. An engine 106, which may be a dieselengine or other powered engine, for use in producing vacuum power andgenerating hydraulic power for driving various components on theabrasive blasting machine 100. A vacuum 108 may be utilized to enable anoperator of the abrasive blasting machine 100 to vacuum blast mediaafter the blast media is projected onto surfaces of a structure beingprepared for a protective coating to be applied thereto. An air wash 110may be utilized to cleanse dust that is collected by the vacuum 108. Apre-classifier 112 may be utilized to sort out debris or other materialthat is collected by the vacuum and greater than a certain size, such asthree-sixteenths of an inch. A classifier 114, such as a magnetic drum,may be configured to sort or otherwise separate the blast media, such assteel grit, from other debris, such as paint chips, that are collectedby the vacuum process.

A storage hopper 116 may be utilized to store blast media that isutilized for performing the abrasive blasting by the abrasive blastingmachine 100. A pressure vessel 118 may be utilized to generate apressure for the blast media in being introduced into airflow created bya compressor. The pressure vessel 118 is in fluid communication withmetering valves 120 that are selectively open and shut for introducingthe blast media into airflow produced by the compressor for use inblowing the blast media onto surfaces of a structure being prepared fora protective coating to be applied thereto. In operation, airflowwithout blast media may be created and used by an operator of a blasthose (not shown) that includes a nozzle (not shown). Blast media may beselectively added to the airflow and directed onto surfaces of astructure. As understood in the art, the nozzle of a blast hose mayinclude a “dead-man” switch (not shown) that, when in a first position,causes compressed airflow to be pushed through the blast hose andnozzle, and, when in a second position, causes both airflow and blastmedia to be pushed through the blast hose and nozzle. As furtherdescribed herein below, the dead-man switch may be in communication witha controller 122 and/or other valve control circuitry (not shown) thatcauses the airflow and/or blast media to be blown through the blast hoseand nozzle. Alternative control switches may be utilized in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

The controller 122 may be part of the abrasive blasting machine 100 andused to control components of the abrasive blasting machine 100. Thecontroller 122 may further be configured to collect and process sensordata from sensors that are applied to sense operation of variouscomponents of the abrasive blasting machine 100. The controller 122,which is fundamentally a processing unit that performs control and datacollection functionality, may be composed of one or more computerprocessors and other circuitry. The controller may be utilized in amanner that generates “intelligence” for owners/operators and customersof the owners/operators of the abrasive blasting machine. As describedfurther herein, the information and statistics that may be collected andgenerated have heretofore not been available to owners/operators and endcustomers of abrasive blasting machines.

With regard to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an illustrative electricalsystem 200 that includes a controller 202 is shown. The controller 202may include one or more computer processors 204 that are configured toexecute software 206. The software 206 may be configured to provide bothcontrol and data collection functionality in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention. Furthermore, the software 206 maybe configured to generate statistics and other operational andmaintenance information, as further provided herein. The processing unit204 may be in communication with a (i) memory 208 that may be configuredto store data, such as clock times produced by timers that are utilizedto determine how long certain operations of the abrasive blastingmachine have been operating, (ii) global positioning system 210 that maybe configured to collect global positioning information of the abrasiveblasting machine, (iii) input/output unit 212 that may be configured toprovide for both local communications on the abrasive blasting machineand remote communications with a communications network, such as amobile telephone network or satellite communications network. Theprocessing unit 204 may further be in communication with a (iv) userinterface unit 214 that may include a keyboard, pointing device (e.g.,computer mouse or touchpad for controlling a cursor on an electronicdisplay), and (v) electronic display 216, which may be a traditionalelectronic display, such as an LCD display, or touch screen display thatenables a user to control and interact with data being displayed on theelectronic display 216. Although a GPS system is shown, alternativegeographic location determination techniques may be utilized, such astriangulation using mobile telephone signal techniques, as understood inthe art.

A blast control switch 218, such as a “dead-man” switch, which may beoperated by a blast hose operator and be configured in one or multipleposition to enable the blast hose operator to direct compressed air orcompressed air with blast media, may be positioned on a nozzle. In oneembodiment the control switch 218 is a single pole, double throw switch,as understood in the art. The blast control switch 218, if not beingactively forced to a position, will automatically be forced back to aneutral position, which causes both air and blast media to be preventedfrom being blown through the blast hose and nozzle, as understood in theart. The blast control switch 218 may generate a position data signal220, which may be in the form of an electrical signal (e.g., +/−5V) ordata signal (e.g., data bits representing a position at which the blastcontrol switch 218 is positioned). The position data signal 220 may becommunicated to the controller 202 for allowing the controller 202 tocommunicate a control signal to one or more valves for allowing airflowthrough the blast hose and nozzle and metering valve (not shown) thatmixes blast media in the airflow. The controller 202 may further beconfigured to initiate a timer to record an amount of time that theairflow and/or blast media is being used by an operator of the blasthose. In an alternative configuration, the position data signal 220 fromthe blast control switch 218 may be communicated directly to anelectronic circuit that controls one or more valves that enables theairflow and blast media to be passed through the blast hose. In thisconfiguration, the controller 202 may receive a communications signalfrom the electronic circuit for controlling the valves to indicate thatthe operator of the blast hose is using air and/or blast media. Inresponse, the controller 202 may initiate timers, one for the air andone for the blast media, which are independent of one another, for usein monitoring the length of time that air and blast media arerespectively being used. In one embodiment, both a daily and a lifetimetimer may be used for each of the components, thereby enabling thecontroller 202 to effectively determine daily and lifetime usage of thecompressor, blast hose, blast nozzle, and any other component that mayhave a limited lifetime and require preventative maintenance to replaceand/or repair the components to maximize usage of the abrasive blastingmachine without downtime.

Sensors 222 a-222 n (collectively 222) may be applied to components ofthe abrasive blasting machine that a manufacturer, owner, or operator ofthe abrasive blasting machine may desire to monitor in generatingstatistical information, maintenance information, operationalinformation, or other information, as provided herein. For example, thesensors may be applied to the engine, blower, metering valve, conveyor,or any other component (e.g., compressor) of the abrasive blastingmachine. The sensors 222 may communicate sensor data 224 a-224 n,respectively, to the controller 202 for collection, storage, processing,and/or communication. The controller 202 may further be in communicationwith a number of controllers 226 a-226 n, such as a compressor valvecontroller and a metering valve controller. The controllers 226 a-226 nmay be in communication and controlled by the controller 202.Alternatively, the controllers 226 a-226 n may communicate operationaldata, such as valve open and valve closed data signals, to acknowledgeor notify the controller 202 of operation of the valves. In oneembodiment, status data 228 a-228 n (collectively 228) may becommunicated to the controller 202 from the controllers 226 a-226 n,respectively. In one embodiment, a conventional communications bus maybe utilized to provide communications between the controllers 202,dead-man switch 218, sensors 222, controllers 226, etc.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an illustrative network 300 that includesan abrasive blasting machine 302 that includes a controller 304 that isconfigured to communicate with a server 306 that is remotely locatedfrom the abrasive blasting machine 302 via a communications network 308.The communications network 308 may be a mobile telephone network,satellite communications network, or any other communications network,as understood in the art. The controller 304 may be configured tocommunicate blasting data 310, which may include operational data,maintenance data, current status data, or any other data that may beutilized by an owner, operator, or end customer of the abrasive blastingmachine 302. The blasting data 310 may be communicated via acommunications channel 312 a between the abrasive blasting machine 302and communications network 308, and via a communications channel 312 bvia the communications network 308 and server 306. The communicationschannel 312 a may be a wireless communications channel as the abrasiveblasting machine 302 is mobile and may be routinely moved from job siteto job site. If the abrasive blasting machine 302 is stationary and canbe connected via a wired connection, then the communications channel 312a may be a wired communications channel to the communications network308, such as the Internet. The communications channel 312 b may bewireless or wired, as understood in the art.

The server 306 may be configured to receive and/or communicate with oneor more abrasive blasting machines that are being operated by one ormore different operators. The server 306 may be configured to receive,store, process, and display data collected by the abrasive blastingmachine 302 via the network 308 or at a local communications network(not shown) to the server 306. In one embodiment, blasting data 314,which may be the same or a derivative of blasting data 310, may becommunicated via a communications channel 316 to a mobile device 318 forprocessing and/or displaying thereon. In one embodiment, the mobiledevice 318 may be a mobile telephone, smart personal digital assistant(PDA), portable computer, tablet, or any other computing device, asunderstood in the art. The mobile device 318 may execute an applicationthat enables a user 320 to interface with the data, such as selectingdifferent parameters to view that are indicative of current orhistorical operation of the abrasive blasting machine 302. Thecommunications channel 316 may be a communications channel between thenetwork 308 and mobile device 318. Alternatively, the communicationschannel 316 may be communicated directly from the controller 304 to themobile communications device 318 using WiFi®, Bluetooth®, or in anyother local communications protocol, as understood in the art.

With regard to FIG. 4, a screenshot of an illustrative GUI 400 is shown.The GUI 400 may include a number of selectable soft-buttons 402 a-402 g(collectively 402). The soft-buttons 402 may be used in the event thatan abrasive blasting machine includes a touch-screen for interfacingwith a controller of the abrasive blasting machine or that the abrasiveblasting machine includes a pointing device, such as a computer mouse,that enables a user to control a cursor to enable a user to select oneof the soft-buttons 402. It should be understood that the GUI 400 mayutilize alternative user interface elements, as understood in the art.

A “configure machine settings” soft-button 402 a may enable a user toselectively configure settings for operation, control, and datacollection from sensors of the abrasive blasting machine. The machinesettings may include vacuum pressure, blower pressure, conveyor speed,blast media mixing rates, or any other component operation that may bevariably set, as understood in the art. The settings may also includesensor reading rates (e.g., readings per second, readings per hour,readings per day), event triggers that cause data to be communicated tothe controller (e.g., dead-man switch toggle), or any other settings, asunderstood in the art. These settings may also include the ability toset times or events that cause the controller of the abrasive blastingmachine to communicate data via a communications network to a remoteserver. For example, the settings may include notifying or communicatingstatus data to the remote server in response to the machine turning on,blasting being initiated or turned off, or any other status update, asunderstood in the art. In addition, the settings may enable for data tobe stored at the controller throughout an entire day and communicateddaily or when the controller is able to communicate with acommunications network, as understood in the art, since the abrasiveblasting machine may be positioned in a location (e.g., within a tunnel)that the controller is unable to have communication with thecommunications network.

An “operator log in” soft-button 402 b may enable a user to log into thecontroller to capture operator numbers and times that the operator logsin or logs out of the controller. In effect, capturing operator loginand logout times may provide a tool for tracking when an operatorarrives and leaves a job site. In selecting the operator log insoft-button 402 b, the user may be presented an operator log in GUI,such as that shown in FIG. 5.

A “select parameters to monitor” soft-button 402 c may enable a user toselect what parameters of the abrasive blasting machine to monitor. Theavailable parameters may be provided on a screen (see FIG. 7) to enablethe user to select available parameters through the use of sensors and acontroller included on the abrasive blasting machine.

A “job data entry” soft-button 402 d may enable a user to enter jobinformation prior to and/or after work being performed on a job siteeach day. In response to selecting the job data entry soft-button 402 d,a GUI, such as that shown in FIG. 6, may be presented to the user toselect or otherwise enter data associated with the job being performedby the abrasive blasting machine.

A “remote communications settings” soft-button 402 e may enable the userto select remote communications operations by the controller of theabrasive blasting machine with a remote server or other remotecommunications device, such a mobile communications device being usedlocal to the abrasive blasting machine. The remote communications mayinclude setting up scheduled times or events that trigger the controllerto communicate data collected during a workday to communicate to theremote server. The remote communications settings may also enable forcommunicating current status, maintenance operations, and any otherinformation collected from or generated by the controller of theabrasive blasting machine.

A “maintenance” soft-button 402 f enables the user to actively interfacewith a maintenance graphical user interface (see FIG. 9) for viewingcurrent maintenance status (e.g., number of hours currently used of oneor more components of the abrasive blasting machine versus total numberof hours available of use on each of the respective components of theabrasive blasting machine). In one embodiment, the maintenancesoft-button 402 f is made available only to technicians of the abrasiveblasting machine by requiring the technician to enter a password priorto viewing a maintenance GUI (e.g., FIG. 9).

A “dashboard” soft-button 402 g enables a user to actively viewoperational data on a GUI (see FIG. 8) to view one or more operatingparameters being collected by sensors and stored and processed by thecontroller of the abrasive blasting machine. It should be understoodthat one or more “dashboard” soft-buttons may be available for enablinga user to selectively view different types of operational parametersthat are being collected by or generated by the controller.

With regard to FIG. 5, a screenshot of an illustrative GUI 500 thatenables an operator to enter his or her employee ID or other identifiermay be provided. As shown, a supervisor may enter his or her ID in textentry field 502 and nozzle operators may enter their operator IDs intext entry fields 504 a-504 h (collectively 504). Vacuum operators,technicians, or any other operator that interfaces with the abrasiveblasting machine may be enabled to enter his or her employee ID oroperator ID, as well. Although shown as a text entry field, theoperators may alternatively be enabled to use a barcode scanner,magnetic strip scanner, radio frequency identifier transceiver, or anyother technique for capturing an identifier associated with an operatorof the abrasive blasting machine. The use of an RFID transceiver, forexample, may track that operators are within a certain vicinity of theabrasive blasting machine (e.g., within 300 feet). Because jobsites canbe larger than local wireless communications ranges, remote RFIDtransceivers and repeaters may be set up on the jobsite so that RFIDtags or other communications devices of operators or workers may besensed and reported to the controller. The GUI 500 may also beconfigured with “time in” and “time out” selectable fields 506 a and 506b, respectively, that enables the controller on the abrasive blastingmachine to operate as an electronic punch card to allow theowner/operator to determine when operators of the abrasive blastingmachine arrive and leave from a job site or take lunch breaks, etc. If auser has finished entering his or her log in, then the user may select a“back” soft-button 508 to return to the GUI 400 of FIG. 4. It should beunderstood that the operator log in GUI 500 may have alternativeconfigurations that enable users to selectively enter or select from amenu his or her user ID.

With regard to FIG. 6, a screenshot of an illustrative GUI 600 for auser to enter job data is shown. Typically, the user is a supervisor ofan abrasive blasting machine at a job site who enters job entry databefore and/or after a day on the job site. In one embodiment, the jobentry data that may be entered may include a job number into text entryfield 602, structure type in text entry field 604, daily completion login square-feet or other metric in text entry field 606, currentstructure component in text entry field 608, and weather conditions intext entry field 610. In addition, the supervisor may enter shiftlengths for each of the operators by selecting an operator ID in textentry field 612 and shift length in text entry field 614. It should beunderstood that each of the text entry fields may have a pull-down menuthat may be filled in a data repository at the controller by a user ofthe controller or remotely from a remote server. If the user issatisfied with entries made in the job data entry GUI 600, the user mayselect a “submit” soft-button 616. Once complete, the user may select a“back” soft-button 618 for returning to a previous menu, such as GUI 400of FIG. 4. It should be understood that alternative configurations ofthe GUI 600 may be utilized, such as automatically listing all of theoperators who entered their presence at the job site in FIG. 5 andproviding for entry of respective shift times.

With regard to FIG. 7, a screenshot of an illustrative GUI 700 thatenables a user to select parameters to monitor on a dashboard screen isprovided. The GUI 700 may include a section 702 with a list ofselectable parameters 704. A list of available parameters 704 are listedwith selectable graphical user elements 706 and 708 that allow the userto selectively monitor and/or display a virtual gauge of the parameter.As shown, the user has selected to both monitor and show a virtual gaugefor blower pressure, engine RPM, metering valve, and conveyor speed, butnot show a gauge for compressor pressure or blast media batches. Thevirtual gauges and monitor listings are illustratively shown in FIG. 8.

The GUI 700 may also include a section 710 that includes a list of times712 that may be monitored and/or gauged in a dashboard screen. Thetimes, such as engine time, blasting time, vacuum time, blower time,etc., may be generated by hardware or software timers. If hardwaretimers are used, the timers sense activation and deactivation of anelectronic circuit that engages a component of the abrasive blastingmachine. If software timers are used, then the controller of theabrasive blasting machine receives a signal indicating start and stoptimes of components of the abrasive blasting machine. The timers mayinclude lifetime timers of each component (i.e., from the installationof the component until the replacement of the component) and dailytimers of the component, thereby enabling (i) a maintenance technicianto know how much time each component has in its lifetime and (ii)management personnel to identify how much time each component is beingused on a daily basis. It should be understood that the GUI 700 isillustrative and that alternative configurations of the GUI 700 may beutilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention.Still yet, rather than using a GUI to interface with the controller,hardware switches (e.g., dip switches) may be utilized to cause thecontroller to monitor and display parameters being collected from theabrasive blasting machine. Once complete, the user may select a “back”soft-button 714 to return to the GUI 400 of FIG. 4.

In addition to the parameters shown in FIG. 7, TABLE I below is anillustrative list of parameters that may additionally be available forcollection by the controller of the abrasive blasting machine and/orremote server.

TABLE I GPS location Power to abrasive blasting controls Hydraulicpressures from different points in the system Photographic conditionsperhaps Power to individual blasting controls Level conditions fromdifferent points from numerous fixed or movable or circuits in thesystem, dry or liquid, including cameras fuel and water Weatherconditions Power to metering valves Totaling of batches moved throughthe system, with each one having a defined weight Temperature Power toair valves Analysis of ratios of various readings Humidity Power tovacuums Blast circuit (grit + air) ON time in relation to total timeoverall blast system is activated or just one circuit (one operator) isactivated Wind Pneumatic pressures from different Blast circuit (aironly) ON time in points in the system relation to total time overallblast system is activated or just one circuit (one operator) isactivated Traffic conditions Each air compressor Blast circuit (gritand/or air) OFF time in relation to total time overall blast system isactivated or just one circuit (one operator) is activated Main powerswitched on Manifold from numerous Air and hydraulic pressure high andcompressors low during overall system activation Electric motoroperation Air dryers Totaling of weight moved through a specific pointin the system, such as blast grit vacuumed up or blast grit loaded intoblast vessel Diesel engine operation Filters Location of GPS transmitterover a period of time Clutch application to drive vacuums Pilot controllines to other devices Shift period of vacuum operator or other devicessuch as metering valves

With regard to FIG. 8, a screenshot of an illustrative abrasive blasting“dashboard” GUI 800 is shown. The GUI 800 may include a blower virtualgauge 802, metering valve virtual gauge 804, conveyor speed virtualgauge 806, and engine speed virtual gauge 810. In addition, engine time812 and blasting time 814 clocks may be shown. The various virtualgauges 802-810 are illustrative and other forms of virtual gauges andother parameters of components of the abrasive blasting machine may beshown through use of selection elements 708 of FIG. 7. Alternatively,certain parameters may be fixedly shown while others may be selected tobe shown (i.e., a hybrid custom dashboard). In addition, although notshown as virtual gauges, a listing of additional parameters of theabrasive blasting machine may be shown below the virtual gauges, such ascompressor pressure 816 and blast media batches 818. In one embodiment,a table format may be utilized. Other formats may be utilized, asunderstood in the art. A “daily reset” soft-button 820 may be madeavailable for a user, such as a supervisor, to select to reset thegauges on a daily basis after the parameter data is stored by acontroller of the abrasive blasting machine. The user may select a“back” soft-button 822 to return to GUI 400 of FIG. 4.

Because maintenance is generally an issue for operating an abrasiveblasting machine due to components either failing or having to beadjusted, replaced, retuned, or otherwise for preventative maintenancepurposes, FIG. 9 shows a maintenance GUI 900 that allows a maintenancetechnician, who may enter his or her ID into a text entry field 902, toview a listing 904 of maintenance parameters. The maintenance parametersmay include components that are typically scheduled for preventativemaintenance based on a suggested or recommended number of hours or usesby a manufacturer. For example, a blower generally has 1,000 hours oftime that it may be used before replacement is suggested by the blowermanufacturer. Therefore, the controller may monitor the number of hoursthat the blower has been utilized and display the current number oflifetime hours and the maximum number of hours. By doing so, amaintenance technician may monitor when to schedule replacement of theblower. In addition, a “replaced” date that the blower was replaced lastmay be listed. A projected replacement date (not shown) may becalculated based on historical usage of the abrasive blasting machineand displayed.

Should the maintenance technician have to perform maintenance on themachine, the maintenance technician may select a “machine maintenancemode” soft-button 906 that enables the machine to be placed in amaintenance mode, which may turn the machine off or put the machine intoa particular state that allows the maintenance technician to replace orotherwise adjust a component of the abrasive blasting machine. In theevent that the maintenance technician enters a maintenance mode,maintenance time may be displayed in a clock format in data field 908 toshow the maintenance technician and/or supervisor how much time it hastaken for the maintenance technician to repair the abrasive blastingmachine. If the maintenance technician replaces a component, such as ablower, the maintenance technician may actively reset a current hourstimer and date that the blower was replaced so that he or she and otherpersonnel may be notified as to replacement of the blower for futureplanning purposes. Once complete, the user may select a “back”soft-button 910 to return to the GUI 400 of FIG. 4.

With regard to FIG. 10, a block diagram of an illustrative server 1000is shown. The server 1000 may be remotely located from one or moreabrasive blasting machines and used to collect data from each of theabrasive blasting machines for storage and processing of the data. Theserver 1000 may include a processing unit 1002 composed of one or morecomputer processors that execute software 1004. The software 1004 may beconfigured to receive, process, and display data collected from theabrasive blasting machines. A memory 1006 may be configured to storedata during processing and software for execution on the processing unit1002. The processing unit may be in communication with the memory 1006,input/output unit 1008, which may be configured to communicate data overone or more communications networks using any communications protocol,as understood in the art, and storage unit 1010. The storage unit 1010may be configured to store one or more data repositories 1012 a-1012 n(collectively 1012). The data repositories may be configured to storedata received from abrasive blasting machines. In addition, the datarepositories 1012 may be configured to store data that is generated bythe software 1004 in response to receiving operational and/ormaintenance data from the abrasive blasting machines. The processingunit 1002 may be configured to communicate data stored in the datarepositories 1012 via the I/O unit 1008 via a communications network(e.g., Internet, mobile communications network) to webpages or mobiledevices, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Inone embodiment, in addition to the controller from the abrasive blastingmachines “pushing” data to the server 1000, the server 1000 may allowfor a user to “pull” data from the controllers of the abrasive blastingmachines either automatically or manually.

With regard to FIG. 11, a screenshot of an illustrative GUI 1100 thatmay be displayed on a webpage or mobile device is shown. The GUI 1100may be provided for an owner or operator of an abrasive blasting machineto view operational data. As shown, a number of machines that are beingtracked may be shown in a data field 1102 and each of the machines maybe listed in a table 1104. The table 1104 may include machine number oridentifier, global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, current statusof each of the abrasive blasting machines, today's blasting efficiencyratio, and today's performance rating. The blasting efficiency ratio maybe a ratio of total time during the day that blasting is being performedversus total time that operators are at a job site (i.e., shift time).Alternative parameters may be utilized in generating a blastingefficiency ratio.

The performance rating may be based on a number of different factors,including blasting efficiency ratio, on-time percentage, blowing timepercentage, square feet percentage of 1000 square feet, maintenance timepercentage, dead-time percentage, weather conditions, temperatureconditions, and so on. As an example, a performance rating may becomputed by adding blasting efficiency percentage with blowing timepercentage, subtracting maintenance time percentage, adding square feetpercentage, and multiplying a scale factor based on weather conditionsand temperature conditions. The performance rating may be computed overa certain time duration (e.g., daily) to enable an operator or endcustomer to track performance by using a performance rating, eachabrasive blasting machine performance may be normalized against oneanother. The performance rating may be an industry standard or beparticular to an owner or operator of the abrasive blasting machine.

In addition to the table 1104, a map 1106 may be displayed in agraphical format that shows where each of the respective abrasiveblasting machines are located, their current status, and, in response toa user moving a cursor 1108 over the location of one of the abrasiveblasting machines, a pop-up display 1110 may show specific detailsassociated with the abrasive blasting machine. The details may includesupervisor name, current location, structure being worked on, percentagecomplete, status, and any other data, as provided herein. It should beunderstood that the GUI 1100 may have an alternative configuration andprovide the same or similar functionality as described herein.

With regard to FIG. 12, a screenshot of an illustrative GUI 1200 may beshown to enable an end customer, such as a municipality (e.g., State ofNew Jersey), to monitor current job sites that are being worked on byabrasive blasting machines. A number of job sites may be listed in adata field 1202 and a table 1204 may include a listing of each of thejobs that are being performed. The table 1204 may include job number,job name, structure type, percentage complete, and scheduled completiondate for the abrasive blasting to be completed. Depending on theconfiguration of the GUI 1200, a “next 10” soft-button 1206 may beavailable for a user to actively view a next set of job sites that areactively being worked on by abrasive blasting machines. Otheroperational and status information that may be helpful to an endcustomer of the abrasive blasting machines may be displayed on the GUI1200.

With regard to FIG. 13, a screenshot of an illustrative GUI 1300 may beshown to provide an owner and/or operator with preventative maintenanceinformation to enable a maintenance technician or supervisor to managemaintenance operations of the abrasive blasting machines in its fleet. Atable 1302 may include machine number, blower maintenance information(e.g., number of hours and total number of lifetime hours forreplacement of the blower), clutch information (e.g., number of lifetimehours on the clutch versus total number of hours for replacement of theclutch), nozzles information (e.g., percentage of time used based ontotal number of hours available for use of each of the nozzles), blowervalve information (e.g., number of hours used versus total number ofhours available before replacement), etc. It should be understood thatany number of formats for providing a user with preventative maintenanceinformation for scheduling and replacing components of the abrasiveblasting machine may be presented to a user. It should further beunderstood that as each component begins to reach its preventativemaintenance limit, that the data may be displayed in a different colorand/or a notification may be made to a user's e-mail address, mobiledevice, or simply displayed in a manner that alerts the user of anupcoming or past due preventative maintenance activity.

Another table 1304 showing a maintenance log may also be displayed inthe GUI 1300. The maintenance log table 1304 may include machineidentifier, history or date that an event took place, part name (e.g.,nozzle 6), action taken (e.g., “preventative maintenance (pm)replacement”), technician name or identifier, and notes. The maintenancelog table 1304 may be utilized to store both preventative maintenanceand non-preventative maintenance (e.g., catastrophic failure ofcomponent). A user may enter information into the maintenance log table1304 directly or via another GUI, as understood in the art. It should beunderstood that the maintenance log table 1304 may be filled by bothmaintenance updates performed at the abrasive blasting machine andremotely by a user via a web page, for example.

With regard to FIG. 14, a flowchart of an illustrative process 1400 maybe utilized to collect and provide operational information to a user,such as a supervisor of an abrasive blasting machine. The process 1400may start at step 1402, where a time duration of blast media being blownin performing abrasive blasting may be collected throughout a timeduration. At step 1404, time duration of an operator shift (i.e.,workday) may be collected. At step 1406, a blasting efficiency ratio maybe computed based on duration of blast media being blown and operatorshift time. The operator shift time may be collected by a supervisor orother personnel entering the operator shift time from his or hertimesheet or from collecting the operator shift time from a controlleron the abrasive blasting machine.

At step 1408, the blasting efficiency ratio may be displayed to a user.The user may use the blasting efficiency ratio to monitor performance ofthe operator, the operator's supervisor, machine operation, technicianoperation, and so on. In one embodiment, a software timer that is usedto time duration of blast media may be operated by a controller on theabrasive blasting machine or a hardware timer that is in communicationwith a controller for a particular component (e.g., blower) may be used.In one embodiment, the computation of the blasting efficiency ratio orpercentage may be performed remotely from the abrasive blasting machine.A global positioning system may be utilized to capture location of theabrasive blasting machine and provide geographic positioning informationto a user in a table or a graphical format, such as on a map.Statistical information in addition to the blasting efficiency ratioassociated with the operation of the abrasive blasting machine may alsobe displayed for the user. An overall performance rating that may bebased on operational information collected by the abrasive blastingmachine may be computed and presented to the user, as well.

With regard to FIG. 15, a flow diagram of an illustrative process 1500is shown. The process 1500 starts at step 1502, where operational dataproduced by multiple abrasive blasting machines may be collectedremotely from the machines. In collecting the operational data, theoperational data may be communicated from the abrasive blasting machinesto a remote server for storage and processing purposes. At step 1504,the collected operational data may be stored in a data repository. Atstep 1506, at least a portion of the collected operational data may bedisplayed for a user to view. By presenting the user with collectedoperational data from multiple abrasive blasting machines, the operatormay be able to view operation of an entire fleet of abrasive blastingmachines, thereby enabling the user to identify trends of the machines,performance of supervisors, performance of operators, performance oftechnicians, and general progress being made by each of the abrasiveblasting machines.

With regard to FIG. 16, a flow diagram of an illustrative process 1600for maintenance of an abrasive blasting machine is shown. The process1600 starts at step 1602, where a set of preventative maintenanceparameters associated with a set of respective set of components of anabrasive blasting machine may be established. In establishing the set ofpreventative maintenance parameters, a user may select whichpreventative maintenance parameters to monitor. For example, a user mayselect from available sensors on the abrasive blasting machine providedby a manufacturer of the abrasive blasting machine. At step 1604,sensors that collect operational data of components of the abrasiveblasting machine that correlate to the set of preventative maintenanceparameters may be monitored. The monitoring may be performed by acontroller of the abrasive blasting machine. In one embodiment, thecontroller may use timers to time how long components are turned onthroughout each day and/or over their lifetime. The sensors may alsoprovide operational data that is representative of current operation,such as speed at which an engine is running.

At step 1606, a determination may be made that operational data of acomponent has crossed a preventative maintenance parameter (e.g.,lifetime hours of a component exceeds recommended hours to replacecomponent). In crossing a preventative maintenance parameter, at step1608, a user may be notified that the operational data of the componenthas crossed a preventative maintenance parameter. For example, if anumber of lifetime hours for a particular component is 1,000, then atsome threshold level (e.g., 10% below the operational parameter), thenotification may be triggered to be provided to the operator. Thenotification may be in the form of a highlighted number on a table,e-mail notification, mobile notification, voice synthesized telephonecall notification, or any other notification, as understood in the art.In one embodiment, the notification may come as a purchase ordernotification in an automated fashion from a system that is configured toautomatically order replacement parts for delivery to an owner/operatorfor a maintenance technician to replace a component that is coming upfor its preventative maintenance.

Because data generated and collected by abrasive blasting machines makesit possible to analyze an operation more completely, which would lead tohigher overall efficiency, this data delivered to a customer in anorganized manner has significant financial value when organized in amanner that makes it possible for the customer to use it. Customers maybe offered a service as part of a larger package that would come withpurchase of equipment or on a subscription basis. The data may beaccessible via a website, emailed to the customer at an email address,accessed via a mobile device using a mobile application, or otherwise.In addition, the data may be collected and/or aggregated and sold toparts suppliers or fuel providers (“sellers”), thereby allowing thesellers to bid to supply the parts in bulk to the operators as thepreventative maintenance parts wear out or fuel is consumed. Still yet,statistics may be sold or provided to industry standards groups or othergroups that collect and provide such data to others within or outsidethe industry.

In addition to providing the abrasive blasting machine data to owners,operators, and customers, selected data may be provided to thirdparties, such as inspectors or inspection agencies, which would allowthem to have the original data for log books. By providing the data inan automated manner, managers may be able to crosscheck with reports bytheir inspectors, thereby preventing fraud and mismanagement. The datagenerated and collected may provide for (i) energy efficiency, (ii)productivity for both mechanical and labor, (iii) tracking of geographiclocation and orientation of the abrasive blasting machine so as to avoidtheft and mistakes, (iv) tracking of temperature of machine components,(v) safety in terms of monitoring proper pressures, locations,operation, (vi) confirmation of operations to confirm reports by others,such as project inspectors, (vii) progress reports, (viii) analysis ofpast operations, (ix) projection of future operations, (x) accidentreports, and (xi) reporting of liability issues.

With regard to FIG. 17, illustration of an illustrative jobsitecommunications system 1700 for use on a jobsite that enables equipmentoperators and other workers (e.g., supervisors) to communicate with oneanother while far away or in noisy environments is shown. Thecommunications system 1700 may include a signaling system transceiver1702 a and a signaling system reporter 1704 b. The signaling systemtransceiver 1702 a may include keys 1704 a-1704 n that may be preset tocommunicate specific messages to the signaling system reporter 1704 beither directly or via a communications system (e.g., mobile telephonenetwork). The use of large keypads allows operators who may be wearingthick gloves to operate the keypad without difficulty. Rather than usinga keypad, alternative configurations may enable a user to select andsend preset messages. The preset messages may be commonly usedcommunications for the particular machine or task that is beingperformed on the jobsite. For example, operators of an abrasive blastingmachine typically request “more grit,” “less grit,” “choke,” “comelook,” need help,” and “injury.” Other requests and commands may beprovided. The signaling system transceiver 1702 a may include fewer ormore keys to provide the operator with fewer or more messages. Thetransceiver 1702 a may be integrated into a nozzle and/or hose, eitherfixedly (e.g., screwed in) or removably (e.g., bracket), or be aseparate device that may be carried or worn by the operator.

The signaling system reporter 1702 b may be integrated into thecontroller of the abrasive blasting machine and use an electronicdisplay of the controller or be a separate device from the controller.If the signaling system reporter 1702 b is integrated into thecontroller, then the controller may automatically display a message inresponse to receiving one and hide the previous display or use a pop-upmessage, as understood in the art. The reporter 1702 b may include theuse of audible tones or other sounds, lights, and/or use vibration toalert a supervisor or other personnel that an operator has sent amessage.

In response to an operator selecting a key (e.g., “more grit” key 1704a), the transceiver 1702 a, which may include a wireless transmitter,may communicate via a communications channel 1706 a message 1708 that ispreset. The transceiver 1702 a may be set up with machine information,operator number (e.g., associated with a particular blasting hose of amachine), and include a clock to communicate a time at which an operatorsends a message. Alternatively, the reporter 1702 b may timestamp a timethat a message is received. The message 1708 may be communicatedutilizing any communications protocol that is capable of communicatingdata, as understood in the art. In one embodiment, the transceiver 1702a may communicate a text message. Alternatively, the transceiver 1702 amay communicate a code (e.g., 001100001; machine 1, operator 4, message1 (“more grit”)) that represents the message for the reporter totranslate for display. If the message is successfully transmitted, theselected key may light up. Messages 1710 a-1710 n may be displayed onthe reporter to allow a user to chronologically view each of themessages communicated by the operators. In another embodiment, thetransceiver 1702 a may operate to receive communications from theoperator at the abrasive blasting machine and light up a correspondinglight and optionally vibrate to notify the operator of the receivedmessage. Still yet, the transceiver 1702 a may be configured tocommunicate with other transceivers being utilized by other operators.While described in association with an abrasive blasting machine, itshould be understood that the use of the jobsite communications systemmay be configured for use with other machines or uses on jobsites whereverbal and visual communications are otherwise difficult.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an illustrative process 1800 for providingcommunications between workers of an abrasive blasting machine on ajobsite. The process 1800 may include communicating a preset messagerelated to abrasive blasting operations to a remote device in responseto an operator selecting to send a preset message at step 1802. Thepreset message may be a common command or request used for abrasiveblasting. The preset message communicated by the operator may bedisplayed for another operator to view in step 1804.

The previous detailed description of a small number of embodiments forimplementing the invention is not intended to be limiting in scope. Oneof skill in this art will immediately envisage the methods andvariations used to implement this invention in other areas than thosedescribed in detail. The following claims set forth a number of theembodiments of the invention disclosed with greater particularity.

What is claimed:
 1. An abrasive blasting system, comprising: a blowerconfigured to blow air to create an airflow; a metering valve configuredto mix blast media into the airflow; a controller in communication withsaid blower and said metering valve; a blasting hose in fluidcommunication with said blower; a nozzle connected to an end of saidblasting hose; a control switch connected to said nozzle and configuredto enable an operator to (i) selectively cause said controller to causethe airflow created by the blower to pass through said blasting hose andnozzle in response to said control switch being in a first state, and(ii) selectively cause the metering valve to mix the blast media withthe airflow for passing the blast media through said blasting hose andnozzle in response to said control switch being in a second state; atimer in communication with said controller that: (i) when activated inresponse to the operator selectively operating the control switch tocause said metering valve to mix the blast media with the airflow, isconfigured to cumulatively time a duration during which the operatoractivates said control switch to cause said metering valve to beoperated to mix the blasting media with the airflow to enable theoperator to perform abrasive blasting a plurality of times over a timeperiod to produce a cumulative time duration, and (ii) when deactivatedin response to the operator selectively deactivating the control switchto cause said metering valve to stop mixing the blast media with theairflow, is configured to stop cumulatively timing the duration whilesaid metering valve is deactivated from being used to mix the blastingmedia with the airflow over the time period; and a user interface incommunication with said controller to enable a user to display thecumulative time duration that the operator has performed abrasiveblasting over the time period.
 2. The system according to claim 1,wherein said timer is executed by said controller.
 3. The systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a remote computing system; andan input/output (I/O) unit in communication with said controller, andconfigured to communicate data from said controller via a communicationssystem to said remote computing system, and wherein said remotecomputing system is configured to communicate with said user interfaceto enable the user to view the cumulative time duration of the abrasiveblasting.
 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said userinterface is further configured to enable the user to enter the timeperiod.
 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said remotecomputing system is further configured to compute ratio of thecumulative time duration to the time period, and wherein said userinterface is configured to display the ratio.
 6. The system according toclaim 3, further comprising a global positioning system in communicationwith said controller, and configured to determine geographic positioninformation, wherein said controller is further configured tocommunicate the geographic positioning information to said remotecomputing system.
 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said userinterface is further configured to display a map and an indicia based onthe geographic positioning information on the map.
 8. The systemaccording to claim 7, wherein said remote computing system is furtherconfigured to display statistical information associated with theindicia on the map.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein saiduser interface is further configured to display an overall performancerating of each day during which data is collected at least based on thecumulative time duration.
 10. A method for managing abrasive blasting,said method comprising: cumulatively timing a duration during whichblast media being blown—by an operator performing abrasive blastingusing an abrasive blasting machine over a time period to produce acumulative time duration, the cumulative time duration defined by (i)time during which the operator selectively causes the blast media to beblown a plurality of times, and (ii) not time during which the operatorselectively causes the blast media to stop being blown a correspondingplurality of times over the time period; computing a blasting efficiencyratio based on the cumulative time duration of the blasting media beingblown and the time period; and presenting the blasting efficiency ratioto a user.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein computing theblasting efficiency ratio is performed remotely from the abrasiveblasting machine.
 12. The method according to claim 10, furthercomprising: collecting an ID of the operator by the abrasive blastingmachine; associating the blasting efficiency ratio with the operator;storing the blasting efficiency ratio associated with the operator ID;and displaying the blasting efficiency ratio to the user.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising generating a rating of theabrasive efficiency over the time period.
 14. The method according toclaim 10, further comprising: tracking geographic location of theabrasive blasting machine; and presenting the geographic location of theabrasive blasting machine to the user.
 15. The method according to claim10, further comprising automatically counting the number of batches ofblasting media used over the time period.
 16. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the time period is automatically determined startingfrom a time that the operator begins performing the abrasive blastingand ends abrasive blasting during a single day.
 17. The method accordingto claim 10, wherein a time period that the operator worked isequivalent to the time period, and further comprising computing aperformance ratio is based on the cumulative time duration and the timeperiod that the operator worked.
 18. The system according to claim 1,wherein said controller is further configured to associate an operatorID of the operator with a nozzle identifier associated with said nozzleof which the operator is assigned from amongst a plurality of nozzles ofthe abrasive blasting system.
 19. The system according to claim 18,wherein said controller is configured to enable the operator to record atime in and time out to indicate the start and stop times of theoperator in operating the abrasive blasting system.